Mackenzie Blackwood has become one of the best goaltenders in the NHL.
The 28-year-old earned that respect from NHL insider and former goaltender Kevin Weekes, who praised him Monday on NHL Tonight.
Advertisement
Blackwood was selected 42nd overall in the 2015 NHL Draft by the New Jersey Devils, where he spent four seasons. His standout campaign came during the shortened 2019-20 season, posting a 22-14-8 record with a 2.77 goals-against average and .915 save percentage. On the show, Weekes explained why he has long admired Blackwood’s playing.
“I think Mackenzie Blackwood going back to his time at (Juniors), he’s always had the goods,” he said. “He’s got the size; he has the skills. I really liked him when he was with the Devils (Weekes’ old team), but he was a young goalie…but he’s really found his feet since he went out west.
On June 27, 2023, as a pending restricted free agent, Blackwood was traded to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a 2023 sixth-round draft pick. He quickly signed a two-year contract with San Jose. Blackwood made his Sharks debut at the start of the 2023–24 season on October 14, recording 51 saves in a 2–1 shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche – ironically, the team that would acquire him the following season.
However, according to Weekes, the move allowed Blackwood to truly hone his skills and demonstrate that he has what it takes to perform under pressure.
Advertisement
“And first going to San Jose and proving that he can play under duress, and then coming to Colorado, he’s been fantastic,” Weekes continued.
“But (against the Philadelphia Flyers) in particular and (against the New York Rangers), he was absolutely outstanding. But again, keep in mind the fact that right next to here he played in New Jersey. He knows these buildings, so maybe that has something to do with it.”
The start of the season did not go as Blackwood had hoped. He underwent offseason surgery to treat a lingering lower-body injury, and his recovery progressed more slowly than expected. Having missed training camp and the preseason, he didn’t start taking reps until the regular season began, making it clear he still had a lot of catching up to do.
Advertisement
After a somewhat shaky start, Blackwood has not only regained his footing, but appears to be at the peak of his career. He currently holds an 8-1-1 record, with a career-low 2.21 goals-against average and a career-high .920 save percentage. While some may attribute his success to playing on a strong team, that perspective overlooks his individual contributions, including Sunday, when the Avalanche beat the Flyers 3-2 and Blackwood made several critical saves to preserve the one-goal lead. He deserves all the credit.
“I think he’s become a really complete goalie,” Weekes said. “I’m a big fan of his. What I would also say about Mackenzie Blackwood is that, like a lot of young and young goalie players, he has also matured a lot.
“He knows Colorado is an elite team, but to me the way he played…he played back-to-back. And I love him playing back-to-back because it’s a little rare these days, but I love seeing it, it’s so good for him for those back-to-back performances.”
Advertisement
Blackwood recorded 25 saves against the Rangers on Saturday, helping secure a 3-2 overtime victory, capped by Nathan MacKinnon’s deft backhand that eluded Igor Shesterkin. The next day, he added 23 more saves, including several highlight-reel saves, to propel the Avalanche to a second 3-2 triumph, this time in regulation.
Picture
For action-packed issues, access to the full magazine archives and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trends by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
